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TxDOT prepares for another winter storm

Texas Department of Transportation maintenance offices throughout the Abilene and Brownwood Districts are preparing for another winter storm expected to move into the area that could linger into the weekend.According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to drop rapidly, and some areas could see frozen precipitation. Sustained cold temperatures and several waves of precipitation are possible for several days. Travel could be extremely hazardous under these conditions.TxDOT crews have prepared equipment and deicing materials and will work around the clock to treat roadways as long as necessary. When a storm moves into the area, crews will begin treating the structures on the most heavily traveled roadways first.Drivers are strongly urged to check road conditions before deciding to drive for the next few days and to delay travel plans until conditions improve. Those who must get out should follow these guidelines:• Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.• Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice.• Watch carefully for trucks and equipment treating roadways, and stay at least 200 feet back if you are behind a snow plow.• Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first.• If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction then straighten your vehicle.More winter weather safety information can be found at www.txdot.gov – key word: winter driving. For road conditions, call the TxDOT road conditions hotline at 1-800-452-9292 or visit www.drivetexas.org.The Brownwood District includes Stephens, Eastland, Comanche, Brown, Mills, Coleman, McCulloch, San Saba and Lampasas CountiesThe Abilene District includes Kent, Stonewall, Haskell, Borden, Scurry, Fisher, Jones, Shackelford, Howard, Mitchell, Nolan, Taylor and Callahan Counties.The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 11,000 employees are committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system, addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a Best in Class state agency. Find out more at www.txdot.gov.